By Tamas Mondovics
The Riverview Warriors 10 and under Fastpitch travel softball team has reached the end of a successful season by taking part in the United Stated Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) World Series at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.
The weeklong double elimination tourney, held July 16– 23, saw 21 teams from Florida, Ohio, Georgia, Texas, Michigan and Louisiana, for a chance to win the coveted trophy.
The Warriors went 6-4 during the World Series and was the last Florida team standing.
Although falling short of the title, the girls proved all present that earning their chance to compete was for the right reasons.
“The World Series didn’t play out as we wished, but the team ended up placing fifth out of 21 teams,” said Warriors Coach Matt Hallock, adding that the players, parents and friends had an amazing time as Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex was unbelievable and USSSA did a great job all week to make the experience memorable for everyone.
The tourney began on Sunday and Tuesday during pool play before seeding into the double elimination.
Things were looking up a bit on Wednesday as the Warriors beat the South Texas Kaos 13-4, but lost 8-3 to the Texas Glory from Houston, which moved the team to the losers bracket.
“From there the team had to win nine consecutive games over three days to win the title, and they definitely made a run at it,” Hallock said.
On Thursday, the girls defeated Florida’s Boca Impact, 4-3 and out-slugged the Texas Fire from Humble, TX 10-4.
After winning the next two games (Florida’s Wellington Wild 8-0, and the Clearwater Lady Patriots 14-4) the Warriors hot streak came to an end on Saturday by losing to the Georgia Power 4-2 to end their tournament run.
“All in all it was a great way to end our 10 and under season,” Hallock said, adding that the team ended their 10 and under season with a record of 62 wins against 19 losses, 50 – 9 within USSSA play with seven tournament championships won over the season.
“This ’05 team has put Riverview on the map as one of the top Fastpitch travel softball teams in the Southeast US,” Hallock said. The warriors can be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/05LadyWarriors/.
